Cutters receive a boost as they sign representative front-rower

Panther fans and Bronco fans will have memories of him, both good and bad – but in a boost for the Mackay Cutters as well as the Intrust Super Cup – the Mackay based club have signed former NRL prop Joel Clinton to the club, on a 2-year deal.

Clinton, who has represented both NSW and Australia in the past, is currently playing for Hull KR in the English Super League, and the Cutters believe that Clinton will make an impact both on and off the field.

â€œI am really excited about this new phase in my life. I still have plenty of good years in footy left in me, but it was certainly time to start thinking about my post football careermâ€ Clinton said.

â€œMackay is the perfect fit for me. They are a very professional club, the Intrust Super Cup is an elite competition, and the area is an idyllic place to live with good employment opportunities.â€

Clinton will join the Cutters during pre-season in early November, and is also set to take up a position at Hastings Deering – with Cutters CEO Glenn Ottaway pleased that the club has signed a prop of Joel’s calibre.

â€œJoel is a massive signing for us and I am sure he will fit perfectly in to our existing club culture. He will also bring a wealth of experience of playing at the highest level in the game,â€ Mackay Cutters CEO Glenn Ottaway said.

â€œI have to also give credit to Hastings Deering who have been able to provide Joel with meaningful employment. That is a big part of him being with us.”

It is Clinton’s form from the 2003 and 2004 NRL seasons, that has the Cutters club excited – as they are pleased to have someone with Clinton’s rep experience playing for them.

â€œTo have any player with international experience is a real bonus for us,” Ottaway said.

“Having spoken to Joel during the negotiation process I know we are getting a quality person as well. This is a tremendous acquisition for our club.â€

Clinton has been playing well for his current Super League outfit in Hull KR, but is looking forward to the new challenge at the Mackay Cutters.

â€œThe game of rugby league has taken me all over the world. I am really excited about this latest move though and cannot wait to hit the ground in Mackay,â€ Clinton said.